RESUMO
Chemosensory dysfunction is relatively common. This article describes a series of 306 patients who presented with anosmia. We divided olfactory disorders into those associated with interruption of the transport of stimulus and those associated with damage to either peripheral or central nervous system structures. Nasal and paranasal sinus disease (transport interruption) was found to be causative in 67% of patients presenting with anosmia. These patients are generally 45 years old, the loss of olfaction is progressive and associated with additional nasal symptoms. Upper respiratory infection was found to be causative in 18% of patients. They are generally older, with a mean age of 58 years and are predominantly female (78%). The loss of smell is sudden and anosmia is often accompanied by troublesome parosmias (50%). CT-scan is necessary for the evaluation of a smell dysfunction.
Assuntos
Transtornos do Olfato/etiologia , Adulto , Idoso , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Transtornos do Olfato/diagnóstico , Transtornos do Olfato/fisiopatologia , Neurônios Receptores Olfatórios/fisiologia , Doenças dos Seios Paranasais/complicações , Doenças dos Seios Paranasais/diagnóstico , Doenças dos Seios Paranasais/fisiopatologia , Infecções Respiratórias/complicações , Infecções Respiratórias/diagnóstico , Infecções Respiratórias/fisiopatologia , Olfato/fisiologia , Transmissão Sináptica/fisiologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: A prospective study was conducted in 1996-1997 in 100 patients who underwent thyroid surgery and who were randomly assigned to receive drainage or not. No statistical difference in complication rate was observed. The aim of the present retrospective study was to assess the consequences of this attitude in patients undergoing surgery since that time and to determine the number of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and type of thyroidectomy where cervical drains still appear to be indicated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Total or partial thyroid surgery was performed in 264 patients between June 1997 and October 2000. Neck dissection was associated with 24 patients. RESULTS: Cervical drains were used in 29 patients (10.9%). Postoperative complications were comparable to those commonly reported. CONCLUSION: Except for neck dissection and mediastinal extension, thyroidectomy can be safely performed without drainage. This attitude reduces the overall hospital stay.